In food safety, the cleanliness of the environment that food is prepared in is every bit as important as the cleanliness of the food itself. Regular testing of your food preparation and storage areas is essential to keeping foodborne pathogens and contaminants to a minimum. Video demonstrations of environmental sampling: English http://youtu.be/tXXkSHbL8DE Spanish http://youtu.be/6Gjh8IqeFMc

1. Annie Hughes
annieh@abcr.com
Environmental Testing:
How to properly label,
sample, & ship

2. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
• Order the appropriate sampling supplies from
ABC Research Laboratories
• Clearly identify and label the swabs / sponges
and sample submission form
• Learn aseptic sampling techniques before you
begin to collect samples to prevent cross
contamination
• Return samples via overnight shipping with
frozen ice packs
Step by Step Guide:

3. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
ORDERING THE PROPER SUPPLIES

4. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
SPONGES OR SWABS
SWABS are best for small
crevices or uneven surfaces,
Example: drains and grates
SPONGES are best for smooth
and flat surfaces,
Example: floors, walls, doors

5. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
HOW TO IDENTIFY & LABEL SAMPLES
Before you begin to take
the samples:
•Using a Sharpie or permanent marker,
clearly label the sample bags /
containers
•Use brief descriptions that clearly
identify the sampling area or site
•Record the same descriptions on the
sample submission form

6. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
ASEPTIC SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
• Wash hands to mid-arms with
antibacterial soap before
sampling
• Use clean laboratory gloves
or the aseptic gloves
provided
• Put the gloves on aseptically
and avoid touching the
finger portions of the gloves
when putting them on
• GOAL: Avoid cross-
contamination

7. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
• With bag still sealed, push the
sponge towards the opening
of the bag
• Open the bag without
touching the sponge or inside
of the bag
• With the sterile gloves on,
remove the sponge from the
bag careful to only touch the
sides of the sponge
Gently wipe the sponge in a
10”x10” target area – wipe
10 times vertically and 10
times horizontally
• Place the sponge back in the
bag, expel excess air, and fold
the top 3-4 times to seal

8. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
SWABS
• Use clean laboratory gloves or
the aseptic gloves provided
• With the sterile gloves on,
unscrew the cap of the swab
container careful to only touch
the lid and not the swab
Gently wipe the swab over
a 2”x2” target area – wipe
vertically and horizontally
• Place the swab back into the
tube and screw closed

9. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
PREPARING THE SHIPMENT
• Securely seal the sponge
bag and swab container
• Place the swabs and
sponges in ziploc bags for
added protection
• Individual bags are best. If
one leaks it will not cross
contaminate the other
samples
• GOAL: Avoid cross-
contamination

10. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
PACK AND SHIP VIA OVERNIGHT
• Place completed sample
submission form in a Ziploc
bag to protect from spills
• Include plenty of frozen ice
packs to maintain the proper
temperature
• Package sponges, swabs,
and frozen ice packs in an
insulated cooler
• Ship via overnight delivery

11. ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
We are here to help!
To order environmental supplies, set up an ABC-R
account, or just ask a question, we are always
eager to provide answers. We look forward to
hearing from you!
352.372.0436
866.233.5883
Clientservices@abcr.com
www.abcr.com